Five Star Gift Ideas

For your grandson who loves experimental and avant-garde music, there are a few unique gift ideas that will surely ignite his passion for this genre even further. Here are a few suggestions:

1. Vinyl Records: Explore the world of experimental and avant-garde music by gifting him vinyl records from renowned artists in the genre. Look for albums from pioneers like John Cage, Karlheinz Stockhausen, or Brian Eno, or the works of contemporary experimental artists such as Tim Hecker or Fennesz. He will truly appreciate the tactile and immersive experience of listening to this music on vinyl.

2. Books on Experimental Music: Consider gifting him books that delve deep into the history, theories, and techniques of experimental and avant-garde music. "Audio Culture: Readings in Modern Music" edited by Christoph Cox and Daniel Warner is an excellent anthology that covers a wide range of topics and perspectives within the genre. Another suggestion is "Ocean of Sound" by David Toop, which explores the diverse and innovative approaches to music-making outside of mainstream genres.

3. Musical Instruments and Sound Manipulation Tools: Encourage your grandson's creativity by gifting him musical instruments or sound manipulation tools. Depending on his level of expertise, you could consider a synthesizer, effects pedals, or a MIDI controller. These tools will enable him to experiment with different sounds and textures, allowing him to create his own unique compositions.

4. Tickets to Experimental and Avant-Garde Concerts or Festivals: Help your grandson experience the magic of his favorite music live by gifting him tickets to experimental and avant-garde concerts or festivals. Check if there are any upcoming performances in your area or consider planning a trip to a city known for its vibrant experimental music scene, such as Berlin or New York. Attending these events will expose him to new artists and ideas that could shape his musical journey.

5. Music Software and Plugins: If your grandson is interested in digital music production, gifting him music software or plugins might be an excellent idea. Look for software programs like Ableton Live or Logic Pro that offer a wide range of tools and effects to experiment with. Alternatively, you can explore different plugins that specialize in creating unique and innovative sounds, such as Granulator for granular synthesis or Absynth for ambient textures.

6. Subscription to Experimental Music Magazines: Sign your grandson up for a subscription to a magazine dedicated to experimental and avant-garde music. Magazines like The Wire or Electronic Sound provide in-depth articles, interviews, and reviews that will keep him up to date with the latest developments in the genre.

Remember, the most thoughtful gift is one that aligns with his passions and supports his interests. By choosing something related to his love for experimental and avant-garde music, you are not only giving him a present but also an opportunity to explore, create, and connect with his favorite genre on a deeper level.

Or you can get him a star map with the date when he was born.

Juju Monteiro says about Under Lucky Stars star maps:

“I gave as Birthday gift to my husband. He loved it.”